On August 4, a catastrophic explosion ripped through the historic city of Beirut. As the initial chaos and fumes settled into heaps of debris, the magnitude of the destruction shocked the world. The blast, which flattened much of the port area and surrounding neighborhoods, has left Beirut’s already fragile art and culture scene heavily damaged.
Lost archives, collapsed studios, crumbled museums, blown-up inventories, and destroyed works of art were all that was left after the explosion. The horrifying blast will leave an irreversible emotional scar on the cultural scene of the Lebanese capital. Who can understand their pain better than fellow artists? While there is next to nothing that can be done to heal their broken hearts, the global artistic community is doing what they do best – coming up with unique and creative ways to help rebuild Beirut.
Scroll down to discover how artists are doing their part to raise funds, and how you can participate and help.
Fatima Dia
If you’ve been following news about the massive explosion that rocked Beirut, it’s likely that you’ve come across Lebanese Artist, Fatima Dia‘s viral painting – ‘Rising Angels’. Created to provide an outlet for the heavy emotions associated with the tragic incident, Dia put the painting up for online auction when she realized how tremendous the response to it was. 100% of the proceeds of the sale of ‘Rising Angels’ will be donated to those who lost their homes and were affected by the tragedy.
Nour Flayhan
Lebanese illustrator Nour Flayhan has pledged 100% of proceeds from the sale of her illustrations to charitable institutions working on the ground in Beirut. She urged her clients to make a donation to an organization of their choice (out of the ones vetted by her), and in turn they will receive an illustration by the artist.
Flayhan has also collaborated with the online concept store, Dikkéni, to design the ‘Our Lebanon’ Beirut Relief tote bag and poster. All proceeds from the sales of the products will be donated to Impact Lebanon.
Raphaelle Macaron
Another Lebanese illustrator, Raphaelle Macaron, has pledged the proceeds from his print sales to Impact Lebanon. He also urged his followers to donate to other organizations in the Lebanese Red Cross and Beit el Baraka.
Artists for Beirut
Founded by New York artists, Artists for Beirut aims to serve as a platform for artists around the globe to donate their artworks in support of the victims of the Beirut blast. All proceeds from the sale of the artworks will be donated to the Lebanese Red Cross.
Gulf Photo Plus x Ruwa Space
‘For the Love of Beirut’ is a fundraising initiative launched by Ruwa in collaboration with Gulf Photo Plus. Bringing together a selection of over 60 international visual artists for a print sale, the initiative aims at donating 100% of all sales proceeds to the Lebanese Red Cross.
Gail Gosschalk
Illustrator Gail Gosschalk took to Instagram to announce that all proceeds from the sales of her posters will be donated to Impact Lebanon.
Cinema Akil
Dubai-based arthouse cinema, Cinema Akil, in partnership with Front Row Films, has launched special ‘Beirut Relief Screenings’ in an effort to raise funds for the victims of the unfortunate incident. All proceeds from the series of special screenings will go to the Lebanese Red Cross.
Habibi Funk
The Berlin-based Arabic record label Habibi Funk expressed solidarity with the people of Beirut by releasing a seven-track digital album called ‘Solidarity with Beirut’. The album features Beiruti artists like Rogér Fakhr, Ferkat Al Ard, and Abboud Saad. All sales proceeds from the album will be donated to the Lebanese Red Cross.
Art Relief for Beirut
Art Relief Beirut serves as a platform for artists to donate their creative works to raise funds for those affected by the explosion in Beirut. The featured artworks can be purchased by donating the price quoted by the artist to Impact Lebanon or the Lebanese Red Cross.
Twothirds Design Bureau
Understandably, work is the last thing on the mind of those who have been affected by the fatal blast. Realizing this, Dubai-based design agency Twothirds Design Bureau has offered to complete outstanding projects of design agencies and creative enterprises that were affected to ensure that they do not lose out on the payment as they cope with the aftermath of the disaster.
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Rama Duwaji
Rama Duwaji, best known for her illustrated portraits, has pledged all proceeds from the sales of her portraits to non-profit organizations Matbakh El Balad and Beit el Baraka.
Fundraising and Storytelling for Beirut
Writer Fatima Bhutto and lawyer Menaal Munshey have organised a unique fundraiser to aid the victims of the Beirut blast. Writers and poets will be coming together to share their words in support of Beirut on August 12 (8pm Dubai time). All of the money collected by the fundraiser will be distributed to Food Blessed, Iftar in a Box, and Rebuild Beirut among others.
Annamaria Aoun
Annamaria Aoun, a Lebanese expat in the UAE, has not only pledged to donate all the proceeds from the sales of her ‘Abwab El Hay’ photo series to the Lebanese Red Cross, but also promised to match the first five orders.
Abdulla Elmaz
Renowned photographer Abdulla Elmaz – known for his dreamy images that employ everyday objects like plastic chairs – has created a donation drive via Instagram. Elmaz, after donating AED5,000 directly to families in need in Beirut, requested that his followers also donate to one of five listed charities: Impact Lebanon, Lebanese Red Cross, Rebuild Beirut, Beit el Baraka, or Jude Chehab. Once they donate and share a receipt with Elmaz via Instagram, he has pledged to send participants one of his images, completely free of charge.
Hiba Fares
Artists Hiba Fares created a special piece of art, ‘Heart Exploding’, in response to the Beirut explosion. All proceeds from the sales of the print will be donated to the Lebanese Red Cross.
